Advice on Breaking into ER (Career in Crypto-startups/Non-target)

Hello gang,

I am looking for advice to break into Equity Research from a non-traditional standpoint. I am 28 with a recent career as a 'generalist' in crypto-startups, to put it kindly, with a background in Business Administration with a focus on finance. I started school later and from a non-target. During my time at school, I participated in the CFA Research Challenge and have had exposure to creating equity research reports, but it has been a while.

I am looking to break into ER from this standpoint and wanted some clarity on how I should go about it. Since I have not practiced traditional finance in a while, I wanted to start studying for the CFA Level 1 in February to continue from there. I did have some other questions while I went along this journey.

What else should I do during this time?
Should I consider doing my master's?
Should I wait to network with ERs in my area until I pass level 1?
Should I also study for the SIE?

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